Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan Pattern
Bring a colorful patchwork-inspired look to your handmade wardrobe with this Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan Pattern. The cardigan is constructed from small two-round square motifs worked in three colors, with a few half motifs used to create the shaping at the front neckline.
Once the motifs are arranged and joined with mattress stitch, the cardigan is finished with a simple half double crochet border around the body and matching cuffs around both sleeves.
The pattern is rated Easy and includes three size ranges, making it a fun garment project for crocheters who enjoy repetitive motifs and modular construction.
About This Crochet Pattern
The Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan is made from individual full and half crochet motifs rather than traditional large body panels.
Each full motif measures approximately 2 inches [5 cm] square. The motifs are crocheted separately in three yarn colors, then arranged into the left front, right front, back, and two sleeves.
After assembly, Color A is used to crochet four rounds of half double crochet around the cardigan opening and lower edge, followed by four rounds around each sleeve cuff.
Skill Level: Easy
Yarn Weight: Medium 4
Main Construction: Crochet motifs joined with mattress stitch
Hook: U.S. H/8 [5 mm]
Sizes
To Fit Chest Measurement
| Size | Chest Measurement |
|---|---|
| XS/S/M | 28–36″ [71–91.5 cm] |
| L/XL | 38–46″ [96.5–117 cm] |
| 2/3/4/5XL | 48–62″ [122–157.5 cm] |
Finished Chest
| Size Label Printed in Pattern | Finished Chest |
|---|---|
| XS/S/M | 44″ [112 cm] |
| M/XL | 52″ [132 cm] |
| 2/3/4/5XL | 62″ [157.5 cm] |
Pattern accuracy note: The PDF uses L/XL as the middle size in the main size and motif charts, but the finished chest section prints M/XL. An instruction note also prints M/L. These labels are reproduced here as an editorial note rather than silently corrected; the numerical measurements have not been changed.
Gauge
- 14 sc and 17 rows = 4″ [10 cm].
- One motif = approximately 2″ [5 cm] square.
Materials You Will Need
The pattern uses Caron All Day Cotton, 3.5 oz/100 g per ball, with 173 yds/158 m per ball.
Contrast A — Lagoon (00050)
| Size | Balls | Yardage / Meterage |
|---|---|---|
| XS/S/M | 7 | 1187 yds / 1077 m |
| L/XL | 9 | 1425 yds / 1303 m |
| 2/3/4/5XL | 10 | 1724 yds / 1576.5 m |
Contrast B — Mmm Mango (00049)
| Size | Balls | Yardage / Meterage |
|---|---|---|
| XS/S/M | 4 | 669 yds / 612 m |
| L/XL | 4 | 669 yds / 612 m |
| 2/3/4/5XL | 6 | 906 yds / 828.5 m |
Contrast C — Riverbank (00046)
| Size | Balls | Yardage / Meterage |
|---|---|---|
| XS/S/M | 4 | 442 yds / 404 m |
| L/XL | 4 | 631 yds / 577 m |
| 2/3/4/5XL | 6 | 692 yds / 632 m |
You will also need:
- U.S. H/8 [5 mm] Susan Bates Silvalume crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Susan Bates yarn needle.
Crochet Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Approx | Approximately |
| Ch | Chain(s) |
| Dc | Double crochet |
| Hdc | Half double crochet |
| Rep | Repeat |
| Rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| RS | Right side |
| Sc | Single crochet |
| Sl st | Slip stitch |
| Sp | Space |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
| Tog | Together |
| WS | Wrong side |
The pattern uses US crochet terminology.
Pattern Notes
The original instructions are written with XS/S/M as the first size, with changes for the larger sizes indicated separately.
When only one instruction applies to all sizes, work it the same way regardless of the size you are making.
The cardigan uses three motif colors:
- A: Lagoon
- B: Mmm Mango
- C: Riverbank
Make the required number of full motifs for your chosen size before beginning assembly. Half motifs are made separately and vary by color depending on size.
Keep the motifs relaxed and flat when seaming. The pattern specifically warns against pulling the mattress stitch too tightly, which can cause the joined fabric to pucker.
How to Crochet the Full Motif
Make the required number of full motifs in Colors A, B, and C according to the size charts below.
Ch 4. Join with a sl st in the first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3; this counts as 1 dc. Work (2 dc, ch 2) in the ring. Work (3 dc, ch 2) in the ring 3 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Rnd 2: Ch 3; this counts as 1 dc. Work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc. *Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 sp. Work 1 dc in each of the next 3 dc. Rep from * twice more. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the final ch-2 sp. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Fasten off.
Full Motif Quantities
XS/S/M
| Cardigan Section | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Sleeve | 36 | 20 | 16 |
| Right Sleeve | 36 | 20 | 16 |
| Left Front | 18 | 12 | 8 |
| Right Front | 18 | 12 | 8 |
| Back | 45 | 26 | 20 |
| Total | 153 | 90 | 68 |
L/XL
| Cardigan Section | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Sleeve | 36 | 16 | 20 |
| Right Sleeve | 36 | 16 | 20 |
| Left Front | 26 | 14 | 13 |
| Right Front | 26 | 14 | 13 |
| Back | 61 | 30 | 31 |
| Total | 185 | 90 | 97 |
2/3/4/5XL
| Cardigan Section | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Sleeve | 45 | 20 | 25 |
| Right Sleeve | 45 | 20 | 25 |
| Left Front | 31 | 20 | 13 |
| Right Front | 31 | 20 | 13 |
| Back | 72 | 42 | 31 |
| Total | 224 | 122 | 107 |
Arrange the A, B, and C motifs in the quilt-style placement shown for your chosen cardigan size before sewing. The two fronts mirror one another, while the back and sleeves continue the alternating color-block layout.
How to Crochet the Half Motif
The half motifs create the angled shaping at the upper front sections of the cardigan.
Row 1: Ch 4. Work (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) all in the 4th ch from the hook. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3; this counts as 1 dc. Work 1 dc in each of the next 4 dc. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the ch-2 sp. Work 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc.
Fasten off.
Half Motif Quantities
For XS/S/M and L/XL:
Make 4 half motifs with Color B.
For 2/3/4/5XL:
Make 2 half motifs with Color A and 2 half motifs with Color C.
Assembling the Crochet Cardigan
Before sewing, lay out all of the motifs for the back, both fronts, and both sleeves according to the color arrangement for your selected size.
Using mattress stitch, loosely sew the motifs together to create each cardigan section.
Make sure the motifs remain flat while joining. The seams should be smooth rather than tight or puckered.
Once the individual sections are complete:
- Sew the shoulder seams.
- Fold each sleeve in half.
- Match the center of the sleeve with the corresponding shoulder seam.
- Sew the sleeves into the cardigan.
- Sew the underarm seams.
- Continue by sewing the side seams.
Crochet the Cardigan Border
The border is worked with Color A after the cardigan has been assembled.
With the RS facing, join Color A with a sl st at the left side seam.
Rnd 1: Ch 2; this counts as hdc here and throughout the border. Work hdc evenly along the bottom edge, up the Right Front, along the Back neck edge, down the Left Front, and along the remaining bottom edge. Work 3 hdc in each corner. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Rnd 2: Ch 2. Work 1 hdc in each hdc around. At every corner, work 3 hdc in the center hdc of the previous round’s 3-hdc corner. Join with a sl st to the top of ch 2.
Rnd 3: Repeat Rnd 2.
Rnd 4: Repeat Rnd 2.
Fasten off at the end of Rnd 4.
Crochet the Sleeve Cuffs
Work the cuffs with Color A.
With the RS facing, join Color A with a sl st at the sleeve seam.
Rnd 1: Ch 2. Work 1 round of hdc evenly around the sleeve edge. Join with a sl st to the top of ch 2.
Rnd 2: Ch 2. Work 1 hdc in each hdc around. Join with a sl st to the top of ch 2.
Rnd 3: Repeat Rnd 2.
Rnd 4: Repeat Rnd 2.
Fasten off at the end of Rnd 4.
Repeat the cuff instructions for the second sleeve.
Helpful Crochet Tips
Because this cardigan is built from a large number of small motifs, organization can make the assembly stage much easier. Keep Colors A, B, and C separated and count the completed motifs before you begin joining them.
Lay out an entire cardigan section before sewing it. This makes it easier to compare the placement with the size layout and reduces the chance of accidentally switching colors.
When working mattress stitch, follow the pattern’s recommendation to keep the seam loose enough for the motifs to lie flat. Pulling the seam too firmly can distort the square shapes.
Check both the stitch gauge and motif measurement before making the full quantity of motifs. If necessary, use the hook size needed to obtain the stated gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan Pattern beginner-friendly?
The PDF rates the project as Easy. However, it involves making and assembling many individual motifs, so being comfortable with chains, slip stitches, double crochet, half double crochet, and basic seaming will be helpful.
What crochet hook size is used?
The pattern specifies a U.S. H/8 [5 mm] crochet hook, or whatever hook size is required to obtain the stated gauge.
What yarn is used for this cardigan?
The pattern uses Caron All Day Cotton, a Medium 4 yarn, in Lagoon, Mmm Mango, and Riverbank.
What is the gauge?
The stated gauge is 14 single crochet stitches and 17 rows = 4″ [10 cm]. Each finished motif should measure approximately 2″ [5 cm] square.
How many half motifs do I need?
Every size uses four half motifs. XS/S/M and L/XL use four in Color B. The 2/3/4/5XL size uses two in Color A and two in Color C.
How are the crochet motifs joined?
The motifs are joined loosely using mattress stitch. The pattern emphasizes keeping the motifs flat and avoiding tight, puckered seams.
Can I use a different yarn?
The PDF does not provide alternative yarn recommendations. As general crochet guidance, if you substitute yarn, choose one that allows you to meet both the stated stitch gauge and the approximate 2″ [5 cm] motif measurement before making the complete set of motifs.
Final Thoughts
This Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan Pattern combines simple crochet squares with colorful quilt-inspired placement to create an eye-catching wearable project. The repetitive two-round motifs make the individual crochet sections straightforward, while the mattress-stitch assembly, half double crochet border, and matching cuffs bring everything together into a finished cardigan.
If you enjoy colorful motif crochet and modular garment construction, this is a distinctive project to add to your crochet list.
